Bhubaneswar, Feb. 18: Puri is the place to be if you are a movie buff. The temple town will host the Bring Your Own Film Festival (Byoff), one of the world's most unique festivals for cinema. The festival begins on Saturday and preparations are going on in full swing.

The festival is the brainchild of a bunch of filmmakers and viewers from all over the country, who came up with the innovative concept to screen movies for film lovers. The festival is in its 12th year and the response by the visitors and the scale of arrangements has grown manifold, said the organisers.

"Byoff has become a pilgrimage of sorts for film lovers. It is a celebration of independent cinema. This year a number of new events will be hosted at the festival," said Debabrata Tripathy, convener of the event.

The festival allows anyone to be a part of it. People who wish to screen films or make documentaries get a solid platform in this festival.

"People are also encouraged to showcase other artistic works like paintings, pictures, sculptures or even poetry, theatre, music and dance," said Tripathy.

Films will be screened in two tent houses on the beach like every year. There is neither competition nor deadline for registration. One can drop in anytime with his or her film or just walk in to watch films made by others.

Spot registrations continue throughout the fest. "The only problem is that way we are not able to predict the turnout. But it could be anywhere around 200," said an organising member.

This year the festival will offer a workshop on film direction and will be conducted by well-known director Susant Mishra. A photography workshop by Sudarshan Juyal is also on the agenda. "We are also inviting everyone to come together for a flea market trip where Byoffians can sell or buy used equipment like camera, lenses, mikes and any other useful ware," said Rabindra Krushna Sahoo, an organiser.

Manufacturers of film craft related equipment have been invited to exhibit their latest products to the participants.

Visitors from all over the country and abroad will flock to the event.

"I love to be here every year. Anyone can land up here and be a part of this open and democratic festival with or without a film; no selections, no awards, no juries and an electric atmosphere," said Delhi-based actor Gurpal Singh, a regular Byoff participant.

The five-day festival will be on till February 25.